Education Structure in Iceland

School Education in Iceland

In Iceland, school education comprises of pre-school, compulsory and upper secondary education. Basic education or compulsory education in Iceland lasts for 10 years. After the completion of compulsory studies, students can go for upper secondary education that lasts for 4 years. The upper secondary education comprise of comprehensive schools, vocational education, specialised vocational studies and industrial vocational schools. Students are given vocational education and training in areas, such as health and commerce, agriculture, food production sector, and fishing industry; or are trained in a particular trade leading.

Tertiary Education in Iceland

Higher education in Iceland is governed by Law no 136/1997- Laws on Universities. As per this law, the traditional universities as well as the institutions are given an Icelandic term "haskoli" which means “high school” in English. The law does not differentiate between universities and non-universities. Also, as per the law, the Minister of Education, Science and Culture sets the scope of the research the institutions will be involved in. It is also responsible for the recognition of all degrees awarded and sets the guidelines for quality assessment.

Currently, there are 8 "haskoli"; out of which 3 are private, but operate with the support of the state.

Structure of Iceland Education

Period of Compulsory Education

Entry age: 6

Exit age: 16

Pre-school Education

School type: Kindergarten, playschools

Ages: 2 to 6 years

Basic/Compulsory Education

School type:Compulsory Schools(Grunnskoli) comprises of primary and lower secondary schools